Target: George Finch, Warwickshire County Councillor
Goal: Stop supporting book bans and other forms of censorship in libraries.
Libraries have traditionally been safe spaces for learning, debate, and diverse viewpoints. But recent global trends have put these centers of education under political attack. England has become the latest ground zero for censorship and book bans targeting marginalized groups.
Essex’s county council – which has gained a majority of far-right Reform party politicians – announced a wholesale ban on Pride events in dozens of libraries. Warwickshire officials have taken things a step further by announcing their intentions to defund Pride activities and to enact a comprehensive ban on LGBTQ+ books or information in both school and public libraries. It began with flag removal, and it has inevitably progressed (or regressed) to book bans, censorship, and intimidation campaigns.
Sign the petition below to demand politicians keep their hands off independent learning.
PETITION LETTER:
Dear Councillor Finch,
Reform UK has touted a platform of restoring trust in government and championing “common-sense” policies. Banning newspapers and reporters from even talking to your members (as other council colleagues have done) is not the way to instill public trust. And banning books because you do not agree with the content is certainly no signal of trust nor of common sense. The announcement that this council will prohibit any LGBTQ+ information from any library in the area will not improve the economy. It will not promote ethical governance. It will not reduce public spending or taxation.
It is censorship, plain and simple – and it is political distraction from the very real issues central to your platform. Books and libraries are our oldest and most enduring forms of learning and education. Do not strip them of their power to enlighten and to inspire. No more book bans, and no more divisive poison. Real reform demands nothing less.
Sincerely,
[Your Name Here]
Photo Credit: Paul Groom Bristol Photography
